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Starlink Satellite Ambitions Grounded: South Africa Cools on Musk’s Tech Amid Rising US Tensions
Talks between South Africa and SpaceX's Starlink service have stalled due to escalating tensions between the US and South Africa. The country's presidential spokesman, Vincent Ngwenya, stated that South Africa will not pursue Starlink's investment at all costs, citing unprogressive and racist views from Elon Musk, the US billionaire behind SpaceX. Read the full story here
Diplomatic Dialogue in the Desert: US-Russia Discussions Conclude in Saudi Arabia
US and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia on February 18 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, with a Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov meeting a US delegation led by State Secretary Marco Rubio. The talks were described as "not bad" but it was unclear if the two sides' interests were converging. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that there could be "no thought of" territorial concessions to Ukraine, and…
Ukraine Bears the Brunt: Massive Drone Strike Rocks Central Region, Civilians Caught in Crossfire
A drone attack by Russian forces has resulted in civilian casualties in central Ukraine, according to a government official. The attack has caused injuries to multiple individuals. The incident is part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides experiencing losses and damage to infrastructure. Read the full story here
Pyongyang Rejects “Illusory” Nuclear Disarmament Demands from US and Allies
North Korea has denounced a denuclearisation pledge by the US and its allies as "absurd". The pledge was seen as a key step towards peace on the Korean peninsula. The North Korean government has stated that it will not surrender its nuclear weapons in response to economic incentives. This stance has raised concerns about the prospects for diplomatic talks. Read the full story here
Santorini’s Seismic Fate Hangs in Balance as Scientists Weigh Odds of Devastating Quake
The frequency of earthquakes affecting Santorini and nearby islands has eased in recent days, but the outlook for continued tremors remains uncertain. A state of emergency has been declared on the islands after a swarm of undersea earthquakes prompted thousands of residents to move to the Greek mainland, with schools remaining closed and security services on high alert. Read the full story here
Volkswagen’s Indian Arm Faces Existential Crisis Over $1.4 Billion Tax Dispute
A tax dispute is underway in India, with the government demanding $1.4 billion from Volkswagen's Indian unit. The unit's lawyer claims this demand is a matter of survival for the company. The lawyer's statement highlights the severity of the situation, emphasizing the potential financial impact on Volkswagen India if the demand is not resolved. Read the full story here
Korea Considers Withdrawal from ILO Convention to Reduce Foreign Caregiver Expenses
A prominent lawmaker has urged the government to consider withdrawing from the International Labor Organization's (ILO) Convention No. 111, citing issues with the minimum wage for foreign workers. The proposed move has sparked concerns among experts, who warn that it could damage the country's international reputation and lead to trade consequences, as it may violate free trade agreements and trigger action from the World Trade Organization. Read the full story here
Pyongyang Pushes Back: North Korea Rejects ‘Ill-Conceived’ Denuclearization Efforts by US and Regional Foes
North Korea has criticized the United States and its Asian neighbors for pursuing denuclearization and vowed to expand its nuclear forces under the leadership of Kim Jong Un. The country's Foreign Ministry accused the US of having an "outdated and absurd plan" to denuclearize the North and warned of counteraction if its security is threatened, amid tensions over its nuclear ambitions. Read the full story here
Duterte Embroiled in Controversy: Ex-Leader Faces Probe Over Incendiary Remarks
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing a criminal complaint over comments he made at a campaign rally, suggesting that 15 senators should be killed to allow more vacant seats for his party's candidates. The complaint, filed by police Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, alleges inciting to sedition and illegal utterances, and is the latest legal trouble to face the former president and his family under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Read the full story here
Foreigners Unwittingly Fueling Scams in Myanmar, Says Ethnic Group
A Myanmar ethnic armed force leader, Saw Chit Thu, revealed that thousands of foreigners, including Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thais, are being forced to work for scammers in border areas under its control. The Karen Border Guard Force has rescued over 1,000 foreigners from scammers and plans to transfer a group of Chinese people to China via Thailand, as part of efforts to combat cross-border crimes like online fraud and human trafficking, with China willing…